How to Shoot Great Portraits in Bright Sunlight | Portrait Photography
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- This detailed tutorial will walk you through natural light portraiture techniques that will help you to take your photography to the next level.
We are gonna break some rules and talk about how to shoot awesome portraits outside in bright sunlight in the middle of the day - without using reflectors or a flash to fill in the harsh shadows. We have all had that experience of going outside to photograph a model or shoot a portrait only to realize that the lighting sucks because it’s the middle of the day and the sun is high in the sky.
I rarely shoot with lighting equipment or reflectors outside. It’s just a pain in the butt unless I have an assistant to help with the stuff, not to mention that it takes time to set up and test your lighting. If you have the extra time - go for it.
Generally, I have limited time to get my shot, so my approach is to KISS IT! That’s right - Keep it simple stupid. The easiest solution is SHADE! Yup, place your subject in the shade.
Even in the middle of the day, you can find shade almost anywhere. Good shade creates soft, even, flattering light that is awesome for portraits and modeling shots.
I want to walk you through some examples of shots where I have used this technique and fill you in on some of the HOWS and WHYS that you should keep in mind before you run out to shoot at high noon.
Disclaimer - there is NO “perfect for everything lighting scenario.” Period. If you want to excel at photographing models or people, in general, using natural or even studio lighting, you have to learn how light works and, more importantly, how to “see the light.” I don’t mean go out and learn about 2 to 1 lighting ratios and Rembrandt lighting and that kind of stuff - you can if you really want to, but none of that will help you learn to see or use it creatively.
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#outdoorportraits #portraitphotography #portraitsonlocation
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One of the best channels on RUclips! As a Caribbean photographer this is packed with info and very relevant with no BS nonsense. You earned my sub and full support!
Thank you souljah9e! I really appreciate the kind words!
I've only watched a couple of your videos, just discovered your work. What got my subscription was you saying "work with what you have." Oftentimes, youtube and pro-photographers tell people they need this one thing that will magically make their photos incredible. Your video about light diffusers and talking about posterboard being one of your favorites sold me. I appreciate your honesty and down to earth perspective.
OMG .. hands down the best lessons on RUclips
Thank you so much for the VERY kind words Golden Gold!
THANKS JOE ,, THIS IS A GREAT EPISODE, WE ALL THINK WE KNOW ALL THAT BUT NEVER PUT IT OUT THAT SIMPLE!
Thanks Bulent Unal and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
I've been doing a lot of this lately. Got tired of walking around with a stand and a speedlite and softbox and dealing with HSS flash, or messing with reflectors and all that. I've gotten some really nice stuff walking around downtown and using shade provided by surrounding buildings. Like you say - soft, even lighting with great catch lights.
Awesome Sam Comer! Thanks for commenting!
Excellent Tutorial! Every year since about the 1970's my father, and then I from the 2000's on, would shoot a high school - individuals & a group shot - outdoors between sets of trees, into the sun so the subjects wouldn't squint, with strobes as key. Then it happened. The trees died and they cut them down. So this year I brought them into the shade of the school building with a beautifully lit grassy Hill as the one BG & the brick wall as the other (they get 2 poses). It worked out wonderfully - without any strobes or reflectors. I learned everything I know from my dad & through trial & error. It's nice to see you teaching how to do things properly and in an entertaining manner. Thank you for your videos & I'm very glad I subscribed!
+Melnick Studios Inc. Thank you for the kind words! It's awesome to see a family business continue and thrive!
Wonderful, and a good antidote to all this sophisticated lighting equipment stuff ...
There's just something about you that is different from other tutorial videos! I feel like I can hear what you have to say and know that it is coming from someone who knows their stuff. Your personality doesn't hurt either!
Thanks for the video. I desperately needed it!
+Monica Hunt thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate the support!
Thanks for another practical and inspiring tutorial. I love how these focus on technique and problem solving, not the gear.
You are very welcome Yamakawa! I appreciate your kind words!
Joe, what I like most is you still talk about Film photography, these little bits make this extremely relevant to me as I am a hobbyist with a Hasselbald. Thank you for the great no nonsense videos
You're welcome Tango DJ Anthony Cronin I appreciate the comment!
I have always avoided bright sunlit days for shooting. Now you have giving me something to do instead of cut the grass! Thanks!
Your welcome tom Jenn! 😉
Absolutely awesome light. Incredible examples!
Thanks again William Parmley!
Awesome video..!!! Will definitely over again to let it all sink in..!!!!
Thank you for the kind words Paul Fernandez ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
WOW!!! Can't wait to try this.
Awesome john bivins and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Awesome stuff. So glad i stumble on this channel
Thanks dennis labao and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
fantastic advice. spontaneous and rare family gathering occuring right now for me. I have BW film, and borrowing a classic minolta without meter. am going to try to utilize these suggestions, and expose sunny 16, modified for shade exposure (about PLUS 4 STOPS). then when getting home, figure out the best development time in Xtol to give proper proofs (which give easily printable negative density) thank you Joe!
Awesome Garacha222! Thanks for commenting!
This gave me lots of confidence in shooting out in the middle of the day. So tire of hearing other photographers stress about shooting early or late in the date. I understand why they say it but I think there's always a way around and Joe demonstrated that. Thanks again Joe.
Dude. You're video tutorials are the best. Straight forward. Great advice. Make perfect sense. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words Tom Kaszuba ! Glad to have you as a subscriber!
really enjoyed the clear and simple explaination
Glad you enjoyed it +Yves Wearn! Thank you for the kind words!
Thanks for this video. A friend linked me to it and it's great. I'm part of a Facebook photography group and when people upload photos, the main criticism is "the sky is blown out" or "the background is overexposed". It really gave me the impression that this is the biggest sin you can commit in photography, so this video and your perspective are very liberating. Keen to go out and have a play with these techniques!
You're welcome Baconfan I appreciate the comment! I promise you - the only "sin" is if you don't follow your own passion and shoot what makes you happy. Don't shoot what somebody else tells you you should do.
Joe,
I've watched hundreds of photography tutorials by now but your stuff is by far the most fun to watch. Cant wait to see more if your videos.
Thank you for the kind words Michal Chruscinski ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
This remains a really great video. Thanks man.
You're very welcome Barrrrrt! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I just stumbled on to this tutorial and I love it. It's straight forward and clear. As a native new Yorker I can really appreciate that. you have a new subscriber. Thank you Joe.
Thanks danny castro and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
that was so helpful for me and I think other beginners to know; we don't need to buy lots of gear! instead we should learn to use what is exist naturally 😅
Thank you nasibeh jafari! I really appreciate the kind words!
You can choose location, follow the tips, plan ahead, etc but when you see that moment there, suddenly, a speedlight will come in handly (it is cheap btw)
Joe thanks for sharing bro, watching your videos have showed me a lot, I have been practicing for only a year, and like you I was doing it my way but came across some people that put down the way I take pics, i did take a class and learn all basics, I stop listing to people and started again doing it the way I see it, watch your videos have encouraged me a lot thanks for posting, next step learning light room and continuing to learn thanks
Thanks for the kind words +rig gee ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Love the tips, one of the best teachers on youtube
Excellent advice and examples. I like that you are clear, concise, and don't ramble. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!
Still one of the most important photography lessons I’ve ever seen. I have watched it countless times. Extremely valuable.
Thank you Tom Kaszuba! I really appreciate the kind words!
you have a master's eye, Joe.
awesome. I need to practice a really lot in order to see this.
I was thinking: ok, but there is no places like these here.
Than I realize that me thinking it doesn't exist is just me not seeing it. Because they probably exist in a different way.
Nice video. Thank you
Thank you! Calebe Teles Glad you enjoyed it!
Sir, your explanation is always simple, make sense and straight forward. Love it to the core! :)
Thank you GBlaugrana!
Absolutely spot on! Thank you. Great advice and FANTASTIC photographs.
Glad you enjoyed it twangbarfly! I appreciate the comment!
What a helpful video, Joe. I appreciate what I have learned from this and it makes me want to go out and experiment. I need to spend more time in your catalogue of “older” videos.
Awesome James Peirce! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Have you subscribed to the channel yet?
You have answered a ton of questions with your videos. Thanks Joe!
Thanks Cherrard Cohen and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Thanks for keeping it simple (KISS) for those of us who are not professionals. What problems I've encountered are people choosing wide open spaces on bright days where there honestly IS no shade, in which case, it's challenging!
Are these people portrait customers LaRaNaThA? If so, they hire you for your expertise. Don't be afraid to tell them it won't work and explain what will make a great photo for them. Nobody wants a bad picture - if you explain it in the context of making a great photo - most people will go along with your suggestion. Have you subscribed to the channel yet?
just subscribed, bro! I took some pics of my friend's baby, and I was so---excited---by how they turned out. Now trying to get her 4 kids? With a VERY fickle and contrary 2-year-old? It was impossible, just as she said it would be. :/ But I remembered the stress on natural shade.
Awesome video.............. Thank u...........
With the information you present and the way you do it, your videos should have 10 times more views.
Great video & tips Joe - the main problem is I live in England where the sun rarely visits and when it does we're concentrating on celebrating rather than creating images;)
LOL +Ian Pack. I understand what you mean. I have taught several workshops in Seattle, Washington where it rains almost as much as in England. In Seattle they embrace their cloudy overcast lighting referring to it as the "Seattle Softbox". Thanks for watching!
+Joe Edelman I like the concept of the "Seattle Softbox", maybe I should have a "Sussex Softbox"!
oh man, that is awesome.
cloud days are excellent for natural soft light. Just get out and shoot.
Tweek the white balance in post if you want a more warm feeling.
It is what I use to do. Hope it helps you.
You make it sound so easy!
But it is easy with practice KamauATL!
Thanks Joe... big help. Thumbs up...
You have a new fan in me. Thx for the great video, looking forward to practicing some of your techniques!
Thanks for the kind words +naturaltai! It is great to have you as a new subscriber!
Thank you!
Coming from someone who has tons of experience, i believe 100 percent! Subscribed!
Awesome Epi King! Glad to have you as a subscriber!
Joe, a lot of these concepts I already understand, but based on your honest suggestions ("you don't need super fast recycle times") and your great teaching style, I really enjoyed your videos, so far. Subbed!
Thanks for commenting The Post Color Blog (Dave's Tuts)!
This might be the most helpful video I've ever seen.
Thank you John Cook! I really appreciate the kind words!
Love this Video
Thank you Stephen Tait! I really appreciate the kind words! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any more videos!
Lots of great info here Joe!!!
As usual its a great video from Joe.
Thank you Faiz Rahman! I really appreciate the kind words!
Well said !!......"One have to Learn to see light"..\m/
Thanks for commenting Abhishek Dutta!
Joe, man! Excellent, excellent, excellent video! Did I mention that this is an excellent video? Thanks for the help and God bless!
Thank you for the very kind words +Christopher Soule ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Very nice video. I often face this situation and end up carrying tons of lighting equipment. This has been slowing me down.
Thanks a lot for this great video. I learned a lot of new thins. It has been a long time since I have seen and learned something new.
Thanks again.
Thank you for the kind words +Fahad Bashraheel ! Great to have you as a new subscriber!
best video ever man, finally some useful advise, wow, I am thankful mate.
Great video. I've been shooting for years - yet I learned a lot from your video. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it Stephen Edwards! I appreciate the comment!
Simple and great!
This is such a challenge for me and I have been shooting for a long time. Shooting in the Las Vegas sun in the summer in 110 degrees, no forest, barely trees, full sun, no clouds unless a storm is coming which rarely happens. Sometimes I have to shoot early mornings or late evenings, which is an inconvenience. Shooting in the summer in a desert is an obstacle.
Mooregirl, the challenge behind photography is solving problems. I know quite a few shooters in Vegas and they shoot early morning and late evening and don't find it an inconvenience because the temperature is cooler and the light is warmer. If you can't shoot when the environment is best - shoot indoors.
A hell of a lighting lesson!
Thanks a lot!
You're very welcome Takira Sharikane! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome tut Joe! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words +Red Dirt Alley Glad you enjoyed!
best ideas sir ,it's helpful....
Thanks Sunil Rathod and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
nice tutorial. like it so much. thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it azlan2410! I appreciate the comment!
thank you. your video help me a lot
your videos are the best! you are a good communicator. thanks for all your videos..very educational and entertainning.
Thank you for the kind words denz daniel ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Just wow, you popped up on my recommended list and your approach to photography is so simple it is insane. How have I been taking photographs for so long and you have fixed so many issues in such a short time! I can not wait to get through your entire list of videos and apply many of these techniques immediately. Thank you for making amazing content and making it insanely simple!
Dude, you've got style. I dig it.
Why would anyone give this a thumbs down.
Another great video, Joe
Thank you Geoff Miller! I really appreciate the kind words!
One of the best channels I've run into on youtube. What a gem! You have a wonderful way of articulating instructions technically and artistically. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your videos. Cheers!
Nice presentation and infos, gonna practice it
Great information. I recently got into photography and one of my fears is shooting in the sun. But I have recently gotten better. A lot of your videos are very helpful. Thank you!
You're very welcome A.J. Franklin! I am glad you enjoyed it!
You are a you tube photography genius! Love your videos
Wow! Joe responded to my post within 2 hours!!! He is going to be doing a post on white balance in the near future. Thanks Joe!
Very glad I found your channel. Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos.
Loved this video. Best one yet.
A great video !!! Thank you again Joe ! Your work is really inspire me ! I know that my best shoot is my next shoot . 😉👍📸
You're very welcome Marian Moscaliuc! Thank you so much for the kind words!
Nice. Thank you very much.
You're very welcome Marius Ruzas! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Amazing! I live in a third world country and, and most of the times have to make the best with what I have. So your videos are really helpful!
Thank you for the kind words Scarified8 ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Stumbled onto your channel Joe, very good stuff, subscribed!
Thank you Joe for all the wonderfully delivered videos packed with great information and always on point without nonsense.
this is very helpful.
Awesome Md. Sariful Islam Prince glad you found it useful! Glad to have you as a subscriber!
Thank you So much For sharing This 💕
You're just great.
Thank you Tom Nash! I appreciate the kind words and support!
What kind of idiot would dislike this video?? Thank you for all this great information once again!
Well, let's do the math... 30 thumbs down vs 3900 thumbs up... That's only 0.77% of thumbs down! That's way less than the ratio of idiots among the population! ;-) That means that even some of the idiots like Joe's video! :-D
Great information, well presented.
Thank you for the kind words +Old400 ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss a single episode and please spread the word!
This was extremely helpful. Thanks for posting.
Thanks dragonfist25 and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
I love this so much.
Glad you enjoyed it Jimmy Fierro! Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you so much ! I love how you beat the stereotypes. :) This is so helpful !
You're very welcome Ashwyn Warrier! Thank you so much for the kind words!
nice video)liked it
Damn, you crush it with natural lighting! Keep it up, Joe. Thanks for the awesome tips!
good tips, i will try, keep doing videos like this.
Great vid, incredible useful to me. Thanks Joe
You're very welcome Jon Warr! I am glad you enjoyed it!
This is very relevant info, that comes from experience. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you Daniel Elias! I really appreciate the kind words!
As always Joe, great presentation and every helpful. It's always a joy to watch you at work. Thx!
Nice one Joe. :)
Thanks Randell John and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Excellent as always Joe. Thank you.
Thanks!!!
You're welcome EatSimpleFood I appreciate the comment!
Great tips! Very inspiring!
Thanks Phineas Lindbergh and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
these examples are amazing. The photos in the woods and outdoors, which lens did you use? The full body shots are SO sharp, even the one with the woman running. What would your typical aperture be for those outdoor portraits?
This was a great lesson. Thank you Joe.
Great video! Love the photography tips you have! Maybe you can make more videos like this.
Thank you +Paul Iştoan! Stay tuned - more videos to come.
I love your enthusiasm! You got yourself a great personality, mate. Thanks for this informative video 😉😉😉
nice tutorial
Thank you for the kind words RedefineMe ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Hi Joe,
Can you make a video how you process your photos and what software. ty!
I may at some point james ramos - but there are already some excellent photoshop tutors on RUclips. Check out Aaron Nace from Phlearn, Unmesh Dinda from PixImperfect and of course Scott Kelby.
This one is great tutorial! Thanks for posting!
Thanks DJ Madrid and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
No worries! ;)